How to check a car’s engine oil

Oil is to an engine like oxygen is to humans — an absolute necessity to keep it going.

An engine consists of several metal moving parts, creating a lot of friction. Oil works to prevent these components from wearing out quickly and failing.

It is, however, a consumable product, and as such requires regular checking and the occasional change to keep your car running smoothly. Not sure how to check engine oil? Here’s how…

Look for the manufacturer guidelines

(PA)

Before doing anything, get out the owner’s handbook for your vehicle. In there, you’ll find information about oil recommendations for the vehicle and how often the lubricant should be changed. Although it’s vital to regularly check the oil, if you’re approaching an interval then it’s even wiser to have a look as you could risk serious damage to the vehicle if you go above the suggested mileage for a change.

Prepare the car

(PA)

To get an accurate picture of your car’s engine oil, there are a few steps to take in order to prepare the vehicle before taking a look.

Park on level ground and allow the engine to cool down for at least 10 minutes if it’s warm.

Locate the dipstick

(PA)

Pop the bonnet and find the dipstick for your car. On most modern vehicles, it’s usually bright yellow and easy to see. You may have been asked to locate it on your driving test, but if you didn’t — or you’ve simply forgotten — the vehicle handbook should be able to help.

Grab the tissue

(PA)

Once you’ve found the dipstick, pull it out and wipe it with a clean tissue. Use this as an opportunity to locate the oil indicator markings, which are usually either two small holes or raised bumps. Then, place the dipstick back in.

Check the oil level

(PA)

Once again, remove the dipstick but this time lay it flat on another clear piece of tissue and look where the oil comes up to. If it’s between the indicator markings, then you’re at a good level.

If it comes below, then you need to add more oil — or run the risk of increased engine wear. Too much? The oil will foam up and result in poor lubrication, and ultimately less friction. While you can opt to drain the oil yourself from underneath the car, it’s always best to seek professional help if this is needed.

In the third and final part of our series, Michael Alexander speaks to politicians about how they handled the devastating closure of Michelin in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and asks whether there’s anything Dundee – now facing a similar plant closure in 2020 – can learn.

In the second of a special three-part series, Michael Alexander visits the former Michelin site in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and speaks to local traders about the impact the closure there is having on high street businesses.

In the first of a special three-part series following the announcement that the Dundee Michelin plant faces closure in 2020, Michael Alexander visited Ballymena in Northern Ireland to find out how the community there is coping with the recent closure of their Michelin factory which led to the loss of 840 highly skilled jobs.

Back in March Mary-Jane Duncan became the first ambassador for The Courier Menu Food and Drink Awards. Here, she tells Caroline Lindsay what the past few months have brought her and why everyone should consider entering the Menu Awards 2019.